Ficus carica, also known as the common fig, is a deciduous tree in the mulberry family. It is native to southwestern Asia, from the eastern Mediterranean region to northern India. The tree grows to a height of 2030 m (6698 ft) and has a dense, spreading canopy. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, and lobed, with a toothed margin. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, borne in clusters on the underside of the leaves. The fruit is a fleshy, hollow, pear-shaped receptacle with a small opening at the apex, which ripens into a fleshy, edible berry.
Is it easy to grow Ficus carica plant? The Ficus carica is an easy-to-grow plant that is suitable for beginners. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 30 feet in height and can live for up to 100 years. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world. The plant has a wide range of soil and climate tolerances and can be grown in a variety of soil types. The plant is also tolerant of drought and can withstand extended periods of drought.
How big can it be? When grown indoors, a Ficus carica plant will generally stay between 60 centimeters and 1.2 meters in height. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule and some plants may grow taller or shorter depending on the conditions in which they are kept. But in general, most Ficus carica plants will stay within this size range when grown indoors.
How fast is the growth? Eventually, the plant will reach a height of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.
| Plant Form | Tree |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Origin | Near East |
How long is the lifespan? Common fig (Ficus carica) is a deciduous tree that typically matures to 30-40 tall with a spreading, often umbrella-like crown. It is native to western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and northern Africa, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the world. Ficus carica is a deciduous tree that typically matures to 30-40 tall with a spreading, often umbrella-like crown. The tree is native to western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and northern Africa, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the world. Ficus carica has a lifespan of about 20-25 years. The tree produces a fruit that is edible and often used in baking and cooking.
What is the ideal temperature? Although the Ficus carica plant is frost-tolerant, it does not mean that it can withstand freezing conditions for a long time. The ideal temperature for this plant is 64.4-73.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 41-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. When the temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will start to experience some stress. This can cause the leaves to drop and the plant to go into a state of dormancy. If the temperature drops below freezing, the plant will die.
What about the humidity? Eventually, the leaves of the ficus carica plant will start to brown and drop off if the humidity in the air is too low. The average household humidity is usually too low for the plant, so spraying it with water once a week should help to keep the leaves from browning and falling off. This is especially important during winter, when the heating is turned on and the air becomes even drier.
What amount of light this plant needed? The plant prefers bright diffused light, and in the shade, the plant develops poorly.
What is good soil for Ficus carica? Common fig is a plant that prefers well-lit areas, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. The soil for ficus should be light, nutritious, breathable and moderately moist. It is good if the ground includes sandstone, expanded clay or vermiculite. An excellent drainage system is required, since the roots of the plant are very sensitive to excessive moisture. The best option is a mixture of turf and leafy soil, which can be diluted with sand.
How much I must water Ficus carica? When to water Ficus carica and how much water to give the Fig tree? Summer regular watering for a Ficus carica should be soft warm water (2 times a week), and the soil should dry out slightly before the next irrigation. In winter, after the falling leaves, the watering for a Ficus carica should be reduced significantly.
About fertilizer. So, every two weeks from spring to autumn, we alternate between using organic and mineral liquid fertilizer. This helps to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
How to reproduce Ficus carica? Sometimes, the process of Ficus carica plant reproduction can be difficult. It is best to use apical cuttings that are 8 cm long with at least one leaf. These cuttings should be rooted in a mixture of peat and perlite or earth with sand. The temperature should be around 77° F. It is also necessary to wash out the lactating milky juice and hold the stem for about 20 minutes before planting. Next, the planted stalk should be watered and sprinkled. It is also important to provide shade from the bright sun. Rooting usually occurs within 1-1,5 months. Aged plants with stretched shoots can be multiplied by layers. There should be a shallow incision with a knife below the leaf on the stem, where to insert a pebble and sprinkle with hormonal powder. The incision should be wrapped with wet moss and wind it around the rope. Top with polyethylene. When the moss roots appear, the shoot will need to be cut below the winding and plant the new plant in a separate pot. The bottom cut on the plant should be treated with petroleum jelly, it can also give lateral shoots.
Why Ficus carica won't bloom? Because it can groom in greenhouses, like all ficuses, forms syconia - small globular inflorescences, which are reminiscent of berries. The fruits of the fig tree, all known figs, are edible.
How much I must water Ficus carica? Common fig is a plant that is best transplanted in the dormant season, from late fall to early spring. In February-March, young plants are planted annually, increasing the diameter of the pot by 4-5 cm. In adult plants, it is possible to replace the upper 3 cm of soil. The main thing is not to damage the root system of the plant. Ficus carica is a thermophilic plant, it feels best at a temperature of +18 ... +20 ° C. It does not tolerate drafts and sudden changes in temperature.
How to care the plant? The reason for the plant's leaves falling in winter is due to large plants needing to be cut off for the formation of the crown during spring. To help with the plant's decorativity, it is better to keep it on the balcony or in the garden during summer.
What is the challenge when caring Ficus carica plant? Sometimes, the plant is affected by mealybugs, as well as a scab, a spider mite. The leaves of the plant are pale, and the plant grows poorly. New leaves are small by nedstatka nutrients. The plant is stretched, the leaves are small and yellow from lack of light. The tips of the leaves dry out in too dry air.
Are Ficus carica poisonous? While the tree is not poisonous, the fruit it produces is. The sap of the fruit can cause skin irritation, and if ingested, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, and is now grown in many other parts of the world.
